Description
A hearty and comforting Gnocchi Bolognese recipe featuring tender gnocchi tossed in a rich, flavorful meat sauce made with lean ground beef, aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and a hint of red wine, finished with Parmesan and fresh basil for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef
- ½ cup (100 ml) dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (250 ml) beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Gnocchi and Garnish
- 1½ lb (900 g) gnocchi
- â…“ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
Instructions
- Cook Aromatics: In a large, deep pan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 8-10 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Beef: Stir in finely chopped garlic and cook for another minute. Add lean ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it down with a spoon as it browns evenly.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry red wine and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate, enhancing the depth of the sauce.
- Add Tomato Base and Herbs: Stir in tomato paste, finely chopped thyme, rosemary, and red chili flakes. Add crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.
- Cook Gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Remove bay leaves from the sauce. Stir the cooked gnocchi, grated Parmesan, and torn fresh basil into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish: Serve the gnocchi bolognese immediately with extra grated Parmesan on top if desired for added richness.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to keep the sauce rich yet not overly fatty.
- Dry red wine is optional but adds complexity to the sauce.
- Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and basil elevate the flavor; dried herbs can be substituted if fresh aren’t available.
- Be sure not to overcook the gnocchi to maintain their tender texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
